I just finished playing one of my favorite co-op experiences of the year: Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light. This entry in the long Lara Croft series of games is a complete reset. Gone is the behind-the-back 3rd person view to an overhead isometric view. It's a welcome refresh for the series that many players were starting to bore of.
One of the main focuses of this game is the co-op experience. Even though it is possible to play the game on single player, it's clear that it was meant for two people, which is made even more obvious when you get a silver trophy on the PS3 just for starting the game on multiplayer mode, and when several other trophies can only be achieved with a partner.
This is one of the few games I have seen in a long time that really tries to emphasize the co-op part of a 2 player adventure mode. In many games, it's more like you're playing in the same field, side by side, rather than working together, which is something I've talked about before. After the incredibly uncreative story opening (as much as I enjoyed the game, the story was atrocious. Clearly not a focus for the developers), the game starts up with the tutorials. Lara and Totec, her stereotypical guardian of an ancient evil that has been awoken partner, are shown to have different abilities. If Totec holds R1 he holds his shield above his head, or L1 to hold it in front of him. If Lara hits L1 or R1 she shoots a grappling hook. Totec has a spear that he can throw and stick into walls. Lara, being light and nimble, can use these spears as platforms to reach higher ledges. She can also stand on Totec's shield when he holds it above his head. If Totec attempts to stand on one of his own spears, it will break. These mechanics are crucial to the entire co-op experience. Totec can throw a spear that Lara uses to get to a higher ledge. From here, she can throw Totec her grappling hook and act as an anchor as he climbs up to the same ledge. If Lara shoots her grappling hook to a golden hook, Totec can use the rope as a bridge. How Totec can use a flimsy grappling hook as a bridge, but not stand on his own spears without breaking them is beyond me, but I accept it because it creates a relationship between player 1 and 2. It makes them need one another, most of the puzzles being impossible without cooperation.
Because of the interdependence that Crystal Dynamics created, each player can enjoy themselves in different ways. Some moments are clearly meant for Totec to lead the way, blocking arrows with his shield while Lara tampers away at a puzzle while under his guard. In other moments, Lara takes the lead, climbing and leaping along some cliffs, then shooting Totec her grappling hook at the end to help him up. Rarely does it feel like the other player is in your way, which is often a problem with co-op gaming. Sometimes a tug-of-war over the camera and which direction to go next happens, but it never lasts long and is hardly a hamper on the momentum of the game.
As admirable as Crystal Dynamics' co-op gaming mission statement is, they seem to forget themselves shortly into the game. In the second stage, a new weapon is acquired. Much to my disappointment, it is the exact same weapon for both of the characters: an assault rifle. Sure enough, as the game progresses, Totec continues to amass more and more guns of all types. It isn't until towards the end that you start seeing more "ancient" type weapons, but they are all variations on the spear he already has. As both players collect a similar artillery, the combat aspects of the game become just like any other in a multiplayer experience; Who can shoot the most baddies with your bigass guns? Gone is the cooperative aspect of the game and the unique qualities of both characters that force the players to work together. I would have loved to see Totec learn some magic while Lara collected bigger and better guns, and to have Totec's magic affect Lara's weapons in various ways. Just as an example. It's an area where the game is weak in its goal of being a fully cooperative experience.
Despite its shortcomings, Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light is still an excellent experience. I don't recommend playing it on single player. I tried it, and although it's still a great game, it really shines with a friend at your side.
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